A groundbreaking discovery by researchers at the University of Birmingham could pave the way for innovative cancer treatments, particularly for colorectal cancer. The team found that a specially engineered, safe strain of Salmonella bacteria could work alongside the body’s immune system to combat cancer.
The key finding centers on the bacteria’s ability to deplete asparagine, a vital amino acid necessary for both tumor growth and the activation of immune T cells, which are crucial in fighting cancer. While this depletion slows tumor growth, it also hinders T cell function, preventing them from attacking cancer cells. The researchers now aim to genetically modify the bacteria to avoid attacking asparagine, allowing T cells to act effectively against tumors.
This research, published in EMBO Molecular Medicine, builds on long-standing interest in bacterial therapies, which date back to the 19th century but have faced safety concerns. Recent advances in genetic modification are renewing the potential for bacteria to become powerful tools in cancer treatment, particularly for bowel cancer, the UK’s second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The next steps involve further refining these treatments and conducting clinical trials to test their efficacy.
With the possibility of revolutionizing cancer therapy, this discovery offers hope for better outcomes for cancer patients, particularly those facing colorectal cancer
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